Urban trekker1
Urban Trekker1
- Sep 12, 2013
- 85
- 39
- 74
- Time of past OR future Camino
- Camino Ingles (May 2013)
Caminho Portuguese (May 2014)
Camino Frances (May 2015)
.... but only if you're really into Fatima/Roman Catholic tradition. I went there last May and was very disappointed at the commercialization - and the bizarre crucifix ....Instead of Santarem, Fatima would be a good choice.
I just turned 64 so I'll be out of luck on the senior discount. Thanks for the heads up on the Templar Monastery though. Castles, ancient ruins, old cities, these are things that have been on my bucket list since I was a child. When I went to my first Mayan ruin you could hear me purr!I agree that there's not much to keep you in Santarem for two days. I know that people have religious reasons for going to Fatima, but for many who don't, it is a bizarre place just as Stephen described. Personally, I would visit Tomar instead. Very nice small town, monastery up on the hill is a Templar monastery and has the best manueline window in Portugal (if anyone cares about that, ).
I know that in Spain to get the old folks discount, you need to purchase a card. I have one, it costs about 5 euros and is good for one year. You need your passport to buy it. In Portugal, I'm not sure, but the discount may just be given with proof of age. Stephen will be able to help us out on this one, I'm sure.
I just turned 64 so I'll be out of luck on the senior discount. Thanks for the heads up on the Templar Monastery though. Castles, ancient ruins, old cities, these are things that have been on my bucket list since I was a child. When I went to my first Mayan ruin you could hear me purr!
I was unaware of that. In fact the last time I was there I was told that senior discounts didn't start until 65. I'll be sure to ask for them next time. The discount card you mentioned, where does one acquire one.In Spain the discount kicks in at 60, don't know about Portugal!
That's going to be a problem. Every time I went to a RENFE counter, no one spoke English and I can barely find a bathroom with my Mexican Spanish. Just checked the site used trains on several occasions last May. Card would have been very useful Thanks for the heads up.Hi, Urban trekker,
They are called that "Tarjeta Dorada" and here's some information on how you get them. I just got mine at the RENFE ticket counter right before I bought my ticket: http://www.renfe.com/EN/viajeros/me...os/avant/descuentos_avant_tarjeta_dorada.html
That is a very good plan, but I would pass Santarém and instead, take the train until Tomar. It's preferable, and it has many more things for you to see.
I think that for Lisbon, if you just stay 2 days (counting with the night of your arrival) it will not be enough
Coimbra also worth’s the trip, trust me. Don't forget to visit the Biblioteca Joanina (Joanina Library), to see one of the best book collections in the world (they even have books covered in gold!).
About the train… The 50% discount it's only valid for people over 65 years old. So sorry mate, no can do. They have now a special campaign that if you buy your ticket untills 5 days before your trip, they will make a 40% discount! You can check prices, schedules and other information’s in here: cp.pt
If you need something in Lisbon, just ask ok?
Best Regards
Diogo
If you live in or near Lisbon or along the Caminho, let me buy you lunch or dinner or a beer. Your incites and information have been very useful. TonyThat is a very good plan, but I would pass Santarém and instead, take the train until Tomar. It's preferable, and it has many more things for you to see.
I think that for Lisbon, if you just stay 2 days (counting with the night of your arrival) it will not be enough
Coimbra also worth’s the trip, trust me. Don't forget to visit the Biblioteca Joanina (Joanina Library), to see one of the best book collections in the world (they even have books covered in gold!).
About the train… The 50% discount it's only valid for people over 65 years old. So sorry mate, no can do. They have now a special campaign that if you buy your ticket untills 5 days before your trip, they will make a 40% discount! You can check prices, schedules and other information’s in here: cp.pt
If you need something in Lisbon, just ask ok?
Best Regards
Diogo
LOL You're not over the hill until they bury you in it! For me it's about the walk, the sights, and the places, and the people. If I can get a financial break, all the better. Hope to see you some day on the Camino.Thanks, Diogo, for the heads up on when the "old age" discount kicks in in Portugal. I guess the Portuguese authorities view me as still young at 63, while the Spaniards think I'm over the hill.
And a few other scattered things -- absolutely, if you can, plan to spend at least two full days in Lisbon. Three is really the minimum, IMO, for getting a basic touristic view of the city, but I know that we're pilgrims first and tourists second. But Lisbon is an absolutely wonderful place.
Buen camino, Laurie
If you're inclined, keep me informed. I'm retired and my dates are flexible. Obrigato@Urban trekker1 , it's just contact with each other and see if I'm avaliable. I work in Lisbon, and live near the Caminho route. The only thing is, since you are going in May, it really depend of the time, because I will also do my second Caminho next May I just don't know the dates yet.
Best Regards
Diogo